Information for those dealing with panic attacks, and for those wanting to understand more about this disorder that impacts daily life for many people.

Friday, November 26, 2010

Panic Attacks Can Ruin A Perfectly Good Day

Stress, worry, and pressure are a part of everyday life.
When these become too much to push back, and we don't deal with them, our mind has to find some way for release, and for some, this release comes in the form of a "panic attack" or "anxiety attack".

This enormous feeling of doom, along with it's very real physical symptoms can seemingly come out of nowhere and turn a good day to one of sheer desperation. Often times, when a person has their first panic attack, they aren't sure what is going on , and it can be so frightening that they may find themselves in an emergency room, only to be told there is nothing wrong with them, and that you most likely had a panic attack . . . now what?

A huge frustration of those experiencing these attacks are that people around you who haven't experienced one have absolutely no idea what you are going through. They try to be understanding, but, don't really have a clue as to the severity of the fear and the physical sensations that go with them.

After having one or more panic attacks, many start on the long road of trying to figure out how to deal with them, and how to get on with daily life with this monster peeking over your shoulder. The fear of having another attack is perhaps the worst part of it all.

When you stop and think about it, the main fear of panic attacks is the fear of having another one. Even saying the words, or trying to tell someone what you experience is enough to trigger the anxiety. Why one person can handle a situation with seeming calmness, and another might go into "fight or flight" mode is a testament to the complexity of our human mind.

Don't lose hope! I know you've been told that panic and anxiety attacks won't kill you; I also know how devastating it can be in your life. It CAN be overcome, and you CAN learn how to deal with it. I'm thinking about you all who share this beastly disorder with me.